We’ve seen our share of projects using shipping pallets, but at 20′ square, Forêt II may take the cake in terms of scale. The cubic structure, built by Phil Allard and Justin Duchesneau, is designed as a meditation space for passersby. The humble shipping pallet is so often taken for granted, but is highlighted in this piece as an icon of utility, a means to get things where they need to go.

At the same time, the name of the piece, Forêt (translated to “Forest”) harkens to the material origins of the pallets themselves. As the user sits in the middle of the structure, light passes through the slats much like the sun shines through branches in a forest.

The installation was set up at the corner of Maisonneuve and Jeanne-Mance in Montreal, using a grand total of 810 pallets at its completion.

In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens’ educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.